U.S. patent application number 13/964222 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for information terminal, mobile information terminal, and video image display system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Yasushi Mizoguchi, Daisuke Uchikawa, Shuichi Wakabayashi.
Application Number | 20140049569 13/964222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50099768 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140049569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mizoguchi; Yasushi ; et
al. |
February 20, 2014 |
INFORMATION TERMINAL, MOBILE INFORMATION TERMINAL, AND VIDEO IMAGE
DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
An information terminal includes: a display section that
displays an image; a light source that emits light; an optical
signal generator that uses the light emitted from the light source
to generate an optical signal with which an optical scanner scans
an object; a drive signal generator that generates a drive signal
for driving the optical scanner; and a switcher that switches the
state of the information terminal between a first state in which
the display section displays an image, the optical signal generator
does not generate the optical signal, and the drive signal
generator does not generate the drive signal and a second state in
which the optical signal generator generates the optical signal,
the drive signal generator generates the drive signal, and the
display section displays no image.
Inventors: |
Mizoguchi; Yasushi; (Suwa,
JP) ; Wakabayashi; Shuichi; (Okaya, JP) ;
Uchikawa; Daisuke; (Shiojiri, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seiko Epson Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
50099768 |
Appl. No.: |
13/964222 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20130101; G09G
5/10 20130101; H04N 9/3173 20130101; G02B 2027/0178 20130101; G02B
27/017 20130101; G06F 3/147 20130101; H04N 9/3135 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/690 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/10 20060101
G09G005/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 17, 2012 |
JP |
2012-180907 |
Claims
1. An information terminal comprising: a display section that
displays an image; a light source that emits light; an optical
signal generator that uses the light emitted from the light source
to generate an optical signal with which an optical scanner scans
an object; a drive signal generator that generates a drive signal
for driving the optical scanner; and a switcher that switches the
state of the information terminal between a first state in which
the display section displays an image, the optical signal generator
does not generate the optical signal, and the drive signal
generator does not generate the drive signal and a second state in
which the optical signal generator generates the optical signal,
the drive signal generator generates the drive signal, and the
display section displays no image.
2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the
display section includes a spatial light modulator, and the
switcher performs optical path switching in such a way that the
spatial light modulator is irradiated with the light emitted from
the light source in the first state, whereas the spatial light
modulator is not irradiated with the light from the light source in
the second state.
3. The information terminal according to claim 1, further
comprising: an optical signal output portion that outputs the
optical signal out of the information terminal; a drive signal
output portion that outputs the drive signal out of the information
terminal; and a connection section to and from which a connector
provided on a cable including an optical fiber and a signal line is
connectable and disconnectable, wherein when the connector is
connected to the connection section, the optical signal output
portion is optically connected to the optical fiber and the drive
signal output portion is electrically connected to the signal
line.
4. The information terminal according to claim 3, further
comprising a connection detection portion that detects whether or
not the connector is connected to the connection section, and
wherein the switcher sets the state of the information terminal
based on a detection result from the connection detection portion
to be the first state when the connector is not connected to the
connection section whereas setting the state to be the second state
when the connector is connected to the connection section.
5. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the light
source is formed of a plurality of light sources that produce light
fluxes having wavelengths different from each other.
6. The information terminal according to claim 5, wherein the
optical signal generator includes a light combiner that combines
the light fluxes from the plurality of light sources with each
other.
7. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the drive
signal generator includes a first drive circuit that generates a
first drive signal used by the optical scanner to perform scanning
in a first direction and a second drive circuit that generates a
second drive signal used by the optical scanner to perform scanning
in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
8. The information terminal according to claim 7, wherein the drive
signal generator includes a signal superimposing portion that
superimposes the first drive signal and the second drive signal on
each other.
9. A mobile information terminal comprising: a display section that
displays an image; a light source that emits light; an optical
signal generator that uses the light emitted from the light source
to generate an optical signal with which an optical scanner scans
an object; a drive signal generator that generates a drive signal
for driving the optical scanner; and a switcher that switches the
state of the mobile information terminal between a first state in
which the display section displays an image, the optical signal
generator does not generate the optical signal, and the drive
signal generator does not generate the drive signal and a second
state in which the optical signal generator generates the optical
signal, the drive signal generator generates the drive signal, and
the display section displays no image.
10. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 1; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
11. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 2; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
12. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 3; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
13. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 4; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
14. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 5; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
15. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 6; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
16. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 7; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
17. A video image display system comprising: the information
terminal according to claim 8; and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
18. The video image display system according to claim 10, wherein
the optical scanner includes a movable portion that is provided
with a light reflection portion that reflects light and swingable
around a first axis, a frame that is swingable around a second axis
that intersects the first axis, a first shaft that has one end
connected to the movable portion and the other end connected to the
frame and supports the movable portion in such a way that the
movable portion is swingable around the first axis, and a second
shaft that has one end connected to the frame and supports the
frame in such a way that the frame is swingable around the second
axis.
19. The video image display system according to claim 18, wherein
the optical scanner further includes a permanent magnet and a coil,
the permanent magnet and the coil are so disposed that one of the
permanent magnet and the coil is disposed on the frame and the
other one of the permanent magnet and the coil is disposed in a
position facing the frame, the drive signal generator includes a
first drive circuit that generates a first drive signal that causes
the movable portion to swing around the first axis and a second
drive circuit that generates a second drive signal that causes the
movable portion to swing around the second axis perpendicular to
the first axis, and the first drive signal and the second drive
signal are superimposed on each other and the superimposed drive
signal is applied to the coil.
20. The video image display system according to claim 10, wherein
the image display apparatus is a head mounted display.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to an information terminal, a
mobile information terminal, and a video image display system.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] As an image display apparatus, there is a known head mounted
display that is worn around the head of a viewer for use and
displays a virtual image as an image visually recognized by the
viewer (see JP-A-2005-107070, for example).
[0005] For example, the image display apparatus described in
JP-A-2005-107070 includes a light source, two optical scanners that
scan an object two-dimensionally with light from the light source,
and a light source drive circuit that drives the light source. The
image display apparatus receives image information as an input from
an external apparatus connected to the image display apparatus in
order to display an image.
[0006] In a case where a mobile information terminal is used as the
external apparatus connected to an image display apparatus of the
type described above, some mobile information terminals of related
art have a function of inputting image information to the image
display apparatus but cannot output an optical signal with which
the optical scanners scan an object. It is therefore necessary to
provide the image display apparatus with a light source for image
display in related art as described above.
[0007] The thus configured image display apparatus, which is
provided with not only the optical scanners but also the light
source for image display, has a problem of an increase in size and
weight of the image display apparatus.
SUMMARY
[0008] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to not only
provide an information terminal and a mobile information terminal
that can be connected to an image display apparatus having no light
source for image display and allow the image display apparatus to
display an image but also provide a video image display system
including the information terminal and the image display apparatus
having a reduced size and weight.
[0009] An aspect of the invention is directed to an information
terminal including a display section that displays an image, a
light source that emits light, an optical signal generator that
uses the light emitted from the light source to generate an optical
signal with which an optical scanner scans an object, a drive
signal generator that generates a drive signal for driving the
optical scanner, and a switcher that switches the state of the
information terminal between a first state in which the display
section displays an image, the optical signal generator does not
generate the optical signal, and the drive signal generator does
not generate the drive signal and a second state in which the
optical signal generator generates the optical signal, the drive
signal generator generates the drive signal, and the display
section displays no image.
[0010] The thus configured information terminal can not only
display an image in the display section but also display the image
in an image display apparatus having no light source for image
display.
[0011] Further, the information terminal can generate an optical
signal with which the optical scanner scans an object and a drive
signal for driving the optical scanner, the image display apparatus
to be used does not need a light source, a drive circuit for the
light source, or a drive circuit for the optical scanner.
[0012] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the display section includes a
spatial light modulator, and that the switcher performs optical
path switching in such a way that the spatial light modulator is
irradiated with the light emitted from the light source in the
first state, whereas the spatial light modulator is not irradiated
with the light from the light source in the second state.
[0013] Since no light source that emits illumination light for the
display section therefore needs to be provided separately from the
light source that forms an optical signal for the optical scanner,
the size and weight of the information terminal can be reduced.
[0014] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the terminal further includes an
optical signal output portion that outputs the optical signal out
of the information terminal, a drive signal output portion that
outputs the drive signal out of the information terminal, and a
connection section to and from which a connector provided on a
cable including an optical fiber and a signal line is connectable
and disconnectable, and it is preferable that when the connector is
connected to the connection section, the optical signal output
portion is optically connected to the optical fiber and the drive
signal output portion is electrically connected to the signal
line.
[0015] The connection section allows the optical signal output
portion to be optically connected to an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and the drive signal output portion
to be electrically connected to the image display apparatus only
when the connection is required.
[0016] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the terminal further includes a
connection detection portion that detects whether or not the
connector is connected to the connection section, and the switcher
sets the state of the information terminal based on a detection
result from the connection detection portion to be the first state
when the connector is not connected to the connection section
whereas setting the state to be the second state when the connector
is connected to the connection section.
[0017] The first state and the second state can therefore be
switched from each other in accordance with connection or
disconnection of the connector to or from the connection
section.
[0018] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the light source is formed of a
plurality of light sources that produce light fluxes having
wavelengths different from each other.
[0019] The thus configured information terminal allows an image
display apparatus to display a multicolored image.
[0020] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the optical signal generator
includes a light combiner that combines the light fluxes from the
plurality of light sources with each other.
[0021] In the thus configured information terminal, the number of
optical fibers each transmitting an optical signal to the image
display apparatus can be reduced.
[0022] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the drive signal generator
includes a first drive circuit that generates a first drive signal
used by the optical scanner to perform scanning in a first
direction and a second drive circuit that generates a second drive
signal used by the optical scanner to perform scanning in a second
direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0023] The thus configured drive signal generator allows an image
display apparatus to display an image by using the optical scanner
while eliminating a need to provide the image display apparatus
with a built-in power source for driving the optical scanner.
[0024] In the information terminal according to the aspect of the
invention, it is preferable that the drive signal generator
includes a signal superimposing portion that superimposes the first
drive signal and the second drive signal on each other.
[0025] In the thus configured information terminal, the number of
signal lines each transmitting a drive signal to the image display
apparatus can be reduced.
[0026] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a mobile
information terminal including a display section that displays an
image, a light source that emits light, an optical signal generator
that uses the light emitted from the light source to generate an
optical signal with which an optical scanner scans an object, a
drive signal generator that generates a drive signal for driving
the optical scanner, and a switcher that switches the state of the
mobile information terminal between a first state in which the
display section displays an image, the optical signal generator
does not generate the optical signal, and the drive signal
generator does not generate the drive signal and a second state in
which the optical signal generator generates the optical signal,
the drive signal generator generates the drive signal, and the
display section displays no image.
[0027] The thus configured mobile information terminal can display
an image in an image display apparatus having no light source for
image display.
[0028] Still another aspect of the invention is directed to a video
image display system including the information terminal according
to the aspect of the invention, and an image display apparatus
including the optical scanner and connected to the information
terminal.
[0029] In the thus configured video image display system, the size
and weight of the image display apparatus can be reduced.
[0030] In the video image display system according to the aspect of
the invention, it is preferable that the optical scanner includes a
movable portion that is provided with a light reflection portion
that reflects light and swingable around a first axis, a frame that
is swingable around a second axis that intersects the first axis, a
first shaft that has one end connected to the movable portion and
the other end connected to the frame and supports the movable
portion in such a way that the movable portion is swingable around
the first axis, and a second shaft that has one end connected to
the frame and supports the frame in such a way that the frame is
swingable around the second axis.
[0031] The thus configured optical scanner has a reduced size.
[0032] In the video image display system according to the aspect of
the invention, it is preferable that the optical scanner further
includes a permanent magnet and a coil, the permanent magnet and
the coil are so disposed that one of the permanent magnet and the
coil is disposed on the frame and the other one of the permanent
magnet and the coil is disposed in a position facing the frame, the
drive signal generator includes a first drive circuit that
generates a first drive signal that causes the movable portion to
swing around the first axis and a second drive circuit that
generates a second drive signal that causes the movable portion to
swing around the second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and
the first drive signal and the second drive signal are superimposed
on each other and the superimposed drive signal is applied to the
coil.
[0033] The thus configured optical scanner has a reduced size.
[0034] In the video image display system according to the aspect of
the invention, it is preferable that the image display apparatus is
a head mounted display.
[0035] A user who wears the thus configured head mounted display
has a reduced degree of fatigue, and the head mounted display also
provides a high degree of freedom in exterior appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a video image
display system according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration
of an information terminal (mobile information terminal) in the
video image display system shown in FIG. 1.
[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B each show an example of a drive signal
generated by a drive signal generator shown in FIG. 2.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of an image display
apparatus in the video image display system shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an optical scanner shown in FIG.
4.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken
along X axis) of the optical scanner shown in FIG. 5.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration
of an information terminal (mobile information terminal) in a video
image display system according to a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration
of an information terminal (mobile information terminal) in a video
image display system according to a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows an application of the video image display
system according to any of the embodiments of the invention
(showing information terminal side).
[0046] FIG. 10 shows the application of the video image display
system according to the embodiment of the invention (showing
display apparatus side).
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0047] An information terminal, a mobile information terminal, and
a video image display system according to preferable embodiments of
the invention will be described below with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a video image
display system according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an
information terminal (mobile information terminal) in the video
image display system shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B each show an
example of a drive signal generated by a drive signal generator
shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of an image
display apparatus in the video image display system shown in FIG.
1. FIG. 5 is a plan view of an optical scanner shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along
X axis) of the optical scanner shown in FIG. 5.
[0049] The video image display system 1 includes an information
terminal 2, which displays an image in a display section 3, and an
image display apparatus 9, which displays the image on a screen S,
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0050] In the video image display system 1, the information
terminal 2, when used on a standalone basis, displays an image in
the display section 3, whereas the information terminal 2, when
connected to the image display apparatus 9 via a cable 40, causes
the image display apparatus 9 to display the image on the screen S
by using an optical signal and a drive signal from the information
terminal 2.
[0051] The components in the video image display system 1 will be
sequentially described below in detail.
Information Terminal
[0052] The information terminal 2 is, for example, a mobile phone,
a portable navigation device, or any other mobile information
terminal. The information terminal 2, although not described in
detail, has not only an image display function, which will be
described later, but also a conversation function, a GPS reception
function, a music reproduction function, and other functions. The
functions other than the image display function may be provided as
required or may be omitted.
[0053] The information terminal 2 has an enclosure 20 (casing)
dimensioned to be suitably grasped by a hand and provided with
control buttons 21, a card slot 22, and an audio port 23, as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0054] The information terminal 2 further includes the display
section 3, a display section drive circuit 4, an optical signal
generator 5, a drive signal generator 6, and a connection section
7, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0055] The display section 3 is provided in the enclosure 20.
[0056] The display section 3 displays an image in accordance with
image information. The display section 3 is not limited to a
specific one and can use a known display panel, for example, a
liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, and a plasma
display.
[0057] Further, in the present embodiment, when the display panel
is formed of a display device including a spatial light modulator
illuminated with light, such as a liquid crystal panel, the display
section 3 includes a light source for illuminating the spatial
light modulator and a light guide plate that irradiates the spatial
light modulator with light from the light source as the
illumination light.
[0058] The thus configured display section 3 is electrically
connected to the display section drive circuit 4.
[0059] The display section drive circuit 4 has a function of
driving the display section 3. The display section drive circuit 4
is not limited to a specific one and can, for example, be a drive
circuit that drives the display panel described above, more
specifically, for example, a passive-matrix drive circuit or an
active-matrix drive circuit.
[0060] The optical signal generator 5 generates an optical signal
with which an optical scanner 10, which will be described later,
scans (optically scans) the screen S. The optical signal is an
optical pulse signal modulated in accordance with a video signal
and the on-screen position of the light with which the optical
scanner 10 scans the screen S.
[0061] The optical signal generator 5 includes a light source 51, a
light source drive circuit 52, and a light combiner 53.
[0062] The light source 51 is formed of a plurality of light
sources 51R, 51G, and 51B, which produce light fluxes having
wavelengths different from each other.
[0063] The light source 51R (light source R) emits red light. The
light source 51G (light source G) emits green light. The light
source 51B (light source B) emits blue light. Using the three color
light fluxes allows the image display apparatus 9 to display a
full-color image.
[0064] Each of the light sources 51R, 51G, and 51B is not limited
to a specific one and can, for example, be a laser diode.
[0065] Each of the light sources 51R, 51G, and 51B is electrically
connected to the light source drive circuit 52.
[0066] The light source drive circuit 52 is formed of a plurality
of drive circuits 52R, 52G, and 52B.
[0067] The drive circuit 52R has a function of driving the light
source 51R described above. The drive circuit 52G has a function of
driving the light source 51G described above. The drive circuit 52B
has a function of driving the light source 51B described above.
[0068] The three (color) light fluxes emitted from the light
sources 51R, 51G, and 51B driven by the drive circuits 52R, 52G,
and 52B respectively are incident on the light combiner 53.
[0069] The light combiner 53 combines the light fluxes from the
plurality of light sources 51R, 51G, and 51B, whereby the number of
optical fibers that each transmit an optical signal generated by
the optical signal generator 5 to the image display apparatus 9 can
be reduced. In the present embodiment, the optical signal can
therefore be transmitted from the information terminal 2 to the
image display apparatus 9 through a single optical fiber 42 in the
cable 40.
[0070] In the present embodiment, the light combiner 53 includes a
plurality of dichroic mirrors 53R, 53G, and 53B. In the present
embodiment, the dichroic mirror 53R is presented by way of example
of a component that deflects the light emitted from the light
source 51R, and a reflection mirror made of a metal may
alternatively be used. Further, when no light deflection is
required, the light combiner 53 may not include the dichroic mirror
53R. Moreover, the light combiner 53 is not limited to the
configuration described above and may, for example, be formed of an
optical waveguide or an optical fiber (wavelength multiplexing
coupler).
[0071] The drive signal generator 6 generates a drive signal that
drives the optical scanner 10 in the image display apparatus 9,
which will be described later.
[0072] The drive signal generator 6 includes a drive circuit 61
(first drive circuit), which generates a first drive signal used by
the optical scanner 10 to perform scanning in a first direction
(width direction of screen S) (horizontal scan), and a drive
circuit 62 (second drive circuit), which generates a second drive
signal used by the optical scanner 10 to perform scanning in a
second direction perpendicular to the first direction (height
direction of screen S) (vertical scan). The thus configured drive
signal generator 6 allows the image display apparatus 9 to display
an image by using the optical scanner 10 while eliminating a need
to provide the image display apparatus 9 with a built-in power
source.
[0073] For example, the drive circuit 61 generates a first drive
signal V1 (voltage for horizontal scan), which periodically changes
at a cycle T1 as shown in FIG. 3A, and the drive circuit 62
generates a second drive signal V2 (voltage for vertical scan),
which periodically changes at a cycle T2 different from the cycle
T1 as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0074] The first and second drive signals will be described later
in detail.
[0075] The optical signal generated by the optical signal generator
5 described above and the drive signals (first and second drive
signals) generated by the drive signal generator 6 are transmitted
to the connection section 7.
[0076] The connection section 7 is a portion to and from which a
connector 41 provided on the cable 40 can be attached and
detached.
[0077] The cable 40 includes the optical fiber 42 and signal lines
43 and 44 (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the signal line
43 transmits the first drive signal V1, and the signal line 44
transmits the second drive signal V2. The cable 40 further
includes, although not shown, a signal line through which
information on the angle of the optical scanner 10 in the image
display apparatus 9, which will be described later, is inputted to
the information terminal 2.
[0078] The connection section 7 further includes an optical signal
output portion 71, a drive signal output portion 72, a connection
detection portion 73, and an angular information input portion
74.
[0079] The optical signal output portion 71 outputs the optical
signal generated by the optical signal generator 5 out of the
information terminal 2. The drive signal output portion 72 outputs
the drive signals (first and second drive signals) generated by the
drive signal generator 6 out of the information terminal 2.
[0080] Providing the optical signal output portion 71 and the drive
signal output portion 72 described above not only allows the
display section 3 to display an image but also allows the image
display apparatus 9, which includes the optical scanner 10, to
display the image. The image display apparatus 9 can therefore
display an image even when the image display apparatus 9 has no
light source for image display.
[0081] The connection detection portion 73 detects whether or not
the connector 41 is connected to the connection section 7.
[0082] The angular information input portion 74 inputs information
representing the angle of the optical scanner 10 in the image
display apparatus 9 and generated in the image display apparatus 9,
which will be described later, to the information terminal 2.
[0083] When the connector 41 is connected to the connection section
7, the optical signal output portion 71 is optically connected to
the optical fiber 42, and the drive signal output portion 72 is
electrically connected to the signal lines 43 and 44.
[0084] The connection section 7 allows the optical signal output
portion 71 to be optically connected to the image display apparatus
9, which includes the optical scanner 10, and the drive signal
output portion 72 to be electrically connected to the image display
apparatus 9 only when the connection is required.
[0085] The display section drive circuit 4, the light source drive
circuit 52 in the optical signal generator 5, the drive circuits 61
and 62 in the drive signal generator 6, and the connection
detection portion 73 and the angular information input portion 74
in the connection section 7 described above are electrically
connected to a controller 8. That is, a signal representing
connection or disconnection and detected by the connection
detection portion 73 and the information representing the angle of
the optical scanner 10 and inputted through the angular information
input portion 74 to the information terminal 2 are transmitted to
the controller 8.
[0086] The controller 8 has a function of controlling drive
operation of each of the display section drive circuit 4, the light
source drive circuit 52 in the optical signal generator 5, and the
drive circuits 61 and 62 in the drive signal generator 6 based on a
video signal (image signal).
[0087] The controller 8 further has a function of switching the
state of the information terminal between a first state in which
the display section 3 displays an image, the optical signal
generator 5 generates no optical signal, and the drive signal
generator 6 generates no drive signals (hereinafter also simply
referred to as "first state") and a second state in which the
optical signal generator 5 generates the optical signal, the drive
signal generator 6 generates the drive signals, and the display
section 3 displays no image (hereinafter also simply referred to as
"second state"). That is, the controller 8 forms a switcher that
switches the state of the information terminal between the first
state and the second state. Providing the switcher prevents the
display section 3 of the information terminal 2 from displaying an
image when the image display apparatus 9 including the optical
scanner 10 displays an image, whereby the information terminal 2
will not consume unnecessary electric power.
[0088] The controller 8 switches the state of the information
terminal between the first state and the second state based on a
detection result from the connection detection portion 73. The
first state and the second state can therefore be switched from
each other in accordance with connection or disconnection of the
connector 41 to or from the connection section 7, whereby no
separate operation of switching the state of the information
terminal between the first state and the second state is required
and convenience of a user of the information terminal can be
enhanced.
[0089] Further, since connecting the connector 41 to the connection
section 7 allows the controller 8 to obtain the information on the
angle of the optical scanner 10 in the image display apparatus 9,
the drive signal generator 6 can be appropriately controlled based
on the angular information. That is, the controller 8 can control
the drive operation of the optical scanner 10 in such a way that a
light reflection portion 114 of the optical scanner 10, which will
be described later, swings around X and Y axes at predetermined
frequencies and amplitudes. Further, the controller 8 can cause the
image display apparatus 9 to display an image by controlling the
optical signal generator 5 in synchronization with the information
on the angle of the optical scanner 10.
[0090] The information terminal 2 described above can not only
display an image in the display section 3 but also cause the image
display apparatus 9 including the optical scanner 10 to display the
image. The information terminal 2 can therefore cause the image
display apparatus 9 to display an image even when the image display
apparatus 9 has no light source for image display.
[0091] Further, since the information terminal 2 can output an
optical signal with which the optical scanner 10 scans the screen
and drive signals for driving the optical scanner 10, the image
display apparatus 9 used in the system does not need a light
source, a drive circuit for the light source, or a power source for
driving the optical scanner 10.
Image Display Apparatus
[0092] The image display apparatus 9 (projector) includes the
optical scanner 10, a lens 91, and a fixed mirror 92, as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0093] The image display apparatus 9 displays an image on the
screen S by driving the optical scanner 10 based on the drive
signals from the information terminal 2 described above to scan the
screen S with the optical signal from the information terminal
2.
[0094] The image display apparatus 9 therefore does not need a
light source, a drive circuit for the light source, or a power
source for driving the optical scanner 10.
[0095] In the present embodiment, the optical signal from the
information terminal 2 is incident on the optical scanner 10 via
the lens 91. Depending on the configuration of the image display
apparatus 9, the lens 91 may be omitted and the optical signal
having exited out of the optical fiber 42 may be directly incident
on the optical scanner 10.
[0096] Further, in the present embodiment, the optical signal
having undergone the scanning operation performed by the optical
scanner 10 is reflected off the fixed mirror 92 and then incident
on the screen S. Depending on the configuration of the image
display apparatus 9, the fixed mirror 92 may be omitted and the
optical signal having undergone the scanning operation performed by
the optical scanner 10 may be directly incident on the screen
S.
[0097] The optical scanner 10 will be described below in
detail.
Optical Scanner
[0098] The optical scanner 10 includes a movable portion 11, a pair
of shafts 12a and 12b (first shafts), a frame 13, two pairs of
shafts 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d (second shafts), a support 15, a
permanent magnet 16, a coil 17, a magnetic core 18, and a signal
superimposing portion 19, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0099] The movable portion 11 and the pair of shaft 12a and 12b
form a first oscillation system that swings (makes reciprocating
motion) around a Y axis (first axis) actually formed of the shafts
12a and 12b. Further, the movable portion 11, the pair of shafts
12a and 12b, the frame 13, the two pairs of shafts 14a, 14b, 14c,
and 14d, and the permanent magnet 16 form a second oscillation
system that swings (makes reciprocating motion) around an X axis
(second axis).
[0100] The permanent magnet 16, the coil 17, and the signal
superimposing portion 19 form a drive unit that drives the first
and second oscillation systems described above (that is, causes the
movable portion 11 to swing around the X and Y axes).
[0101] The components of the optical scanner 10 will be
sequentially described below in detail.
[0102] The movable portion 11 includes a base 111, a spacer 112,
and a light reflection plate 113 fixed to the base 111 via the
spacer 112.
[0103] Alight reflection portion 114, which reflects light, is
provided on the upper surface (one surface) of the light reflection
plate 113.
[0104] The light reflection plate 113 is set apart from the shafts
12a and 12b in the thickness direction of the light reflection
plate 113 but overlaps with the shafts 12a and 12b when viewed in
the thickness direction (hereinafter also referred to as "plan
view").
[0105] The configuration described above allows the area of the
plate surface of the light reflection plate 113 to be increased
while the distance between the shaft 12a and the shaft 12b to be
shortened. Further, since the distance between the shaft 12a and
the shaft 12b can be shortened, the size of the frame 13 can be
reduced. Moreover, since the size of the frame 13 can be reduced,
the distance between the shafts 14a, 14b and the shafts 14c, 14d
can be shortened.
[0106] As a result, the size of the optical scanner 10 can be
reduced with the area of the plate surface of the light reflection
plate 113 increased.
[0107] The light reflection plate 113 is further so formed that it
covers the entire shafts 12a and 12b in the plan view. In other
words, the shafts 12a and 12b are located inside the outer
circumference of the light reflection plate 113 in the plan view.
The area of the plate surface of the light reflection plate 113 is
thus increased, resulting in an increase in the area of the light
reflection portion 114. The configuration further prevents unwanted
light from being reflected off the shafts 12a and 12b to form stray
light.
[0108] The light reflection plate 113 is further so formed that it
covers the entire frame 13 in the plan view. In other words, the
frame 13 is located inside the outer circumference of the light
reflection plate 113 in the plan view. The area of the plate
surface of the light reflection plate 113 is thus increased,
resulting in an increase in the area of the light reflection
portion 114. The configuration further prevents the unwanted light
from being reflected off the frame 13 to form stray light.
[0109] Further, the light reflection plate 113 is so formed that it
covers the entire shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d in the plan view.
In other words, the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are located
inside the outer circumference of the light reflection plate 113 in
the plan view. The area of the plate surface of the light
reflection plate 113 is thus increased, resulting in an increase in
the area of the light reflection portion 114. The configuration
further prevents the unwanted light from being reflected off the
shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d to form stray light.
[0110] In the present embodiment, the light reflection plate 113
has a circular shape in the plan view. The light reflection plate
113 does not necessarily have a circular shape and may have an
elliptical shape or a rectangular or any other polygonal shape in
the plan view.
[0111] The thus shaped light reflection plate 113 has a hard layer
115 provided on the lower surface thereof (the other surface).
[0112] The hard layer 115 is made of a material harder than the
material of which the body of the light reflection plate 113 is
made, whereby the rigidity of the light reflection plate 113 can be
increased. The thus increased rigidity prevents the light
reflection plate 113 from being bent or suppresses the amount of
bending when the light reflection plate 113 swings. The increased
rigidity also allows the thickness of the light reflection plate
113 to be reduced, whereby the moment of inertia of the light
reflection plate 113 around the X and Y axes can be reduced when
the light reflection plate 113 swings therearound.
[0113] The material of which the hard layer 115 is made is not
limited to a specific one and can be any material harder than the
material of which the body of the light reflection plate 113 is
made, for example, diamond, a carbon nitride film, quartz,
sapphire, lithium tantalate, or potassium niobate. It is, in
particular, preferable to use diamond.
[0114] The (average) thickness of the hard layer 115 is not limited
to a specific value and preferably ranges from about 1 to 10 .mu.m,
more preferably from about 1 to 5 .mu.m.
[0115] Further, the hard layer 115 may be formed of a single layer
or a laminate including a plurality of layers. The hard layer 115
is provided as necessary and can be omitted.
[0116] The hard layer 115 can be formed, for example, by using
plasma CVD, thermal CVD, laser CVD, or any other chemical vapor
deposition (CVD) process; vacuum deposition, sputtering, ion
plating, or any other dry plating process; electrolytic plating,
immersion plating, electroless plating, or any other wet plating
process; thermal spraying; or bonding of sheet-shaped members.
[0117] The lower surface of the light reflection plate 113 is fixed
to the base 111 via the spacer 112. The light reflection plate 113
can therefore swing around the Y axis without the lower surface of
the light reflection plate 113 coming into contact with the shafts
12a, 12b, the frame 13, or the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d.
[0118] Further, the base 111 is located inside the outer
circumference of the light reflection plate 113 in the plan view.
Moreover, the area of the base 111 in the plan view is preferably
minimized to the extent that the base 111 can support the light
reflection plate 113 via the spacer 112. In this case, the distance
between the shaft 12a and the shaft 12b can be reduced with the
area of the plate surface of the light reflection plate 113
increased.
[0119] The frame 13, which has a frame-like shape, is so disposed
that it surrounds the base 111 of the movable portion 11 described
above. In other words, the base 111 of the movable portion 11 is
disposed inside the frame 13, which has a frame-like shape.
[0120] The frame 13 is supported by the support 15 via the shafts
14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. The base 111 of the movable portion 11 is
supported by the frame 13 via the shafts 12a and 12b.
[0121] The length of the frame 13 in the direction along the Y axis
is longer than the length thereof in the direction along the X
axis. That is, a>b is satisfied, where "a" represents the length
of the frame 13 in the direction along the Y axis, and "b"
represents the length of the frame 13 in the direction along the X
axis. The length of the optical scanner 10 in the direction along
the X axis can therefore be reduced with the length necessary for
the shafts 12a and 12b ensured.
[0122] Further, the frame 13 has a shape that follows the outer
shape of a structure formed of the base 111 of the movable portion
11 and the pair of shafts 12a and 12b in the plan view. The thus
shaped frame 13 can be compact while allowing the first oscillation
system formed of the movable portion 11 and the pair of shafts 12a
and 12b to oscillate, that is, the movable portion 11 to swing
around the Y axis.
[0123] The shape of the frame 13 is not limited to the illustrated
shape and can be any frame-like shape.
[0124] Each of the shafts 12a and 12b and the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c,
and 14d is elastically deformable.
[0125] The shafts 12a and 12b connect the movable portion 11 to the
frame 13 in such a way that the movable portion 11 is pivotable
(swingable) around the Y axis (first axis). Further, the shafts
14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d connect the frame 13 to the support 15 in
such a way that the frame 13 is pivotable (swingable) around the X
axis (second axis), which is perpendicular to the Y axis.
[0126] The shafts 12a and 12b are disposed on opposite sides of the
base 111 of the movable portion 11. Further, each of the shafts 12a
and 12b has an elongated shape extending in the direction along the
Y axis. Each of the shafts 12a and 12b has one end connected to the
base 111 and the other end connected to the frame 13. Each of the
shafts 12a and 12b is further so disposed that the central axis
thereof coincides with the Y axis.
[0127] The thus configured shafts 12a and 12b are torsionally
deformed when the movable portion 11 swings around the Y axis.
[0128] The shafts 14a and 14b and the shafts 14c and 14d are
disposed on opposite sides of the frame 13. Each of the shafts 14a,
14b, 14c, and 14d has an elongated shape extending in the direction
along the X axis. Further, each of the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and
14d has one end connected to the frame 13 and the other end
connected to the support 15. Further, the shafts 14a and 14b are
disposed on opposite sides of the X axis. Similarly, the shafts 14c
and 14d are disposed on opposite sides of the X axis.
[0129] The shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are so configured that the
shafts 14a and 14b as a whole and the shafts 14c and 14d as a whole
are torsionally deformed when the frame 13 swings around the X
axis.
[0130] As described above, the movable portion 11 swingable around
the Y axis and the frame 13 swingable around the X axis allow the
movable portion 11 to swing (pivot) around the two axes
perpendicular to each other, the X and Y axes.
[0131] At least one of the shafts 12a and 12b and at least one of
the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are each provided with an angle
detection sensor, such as a strain sensor. The angle detection
sensor can detect information on the angle of the optical scanner
10, more specifically, angles of swing motion of the light
reflection portion 114 around the X and Y axes. A detection result
is transmitted to the angular information input portion 74 in the
connection section 7 through the signal line (not shown) in the
cable 40, as described above.
[0132] The shapes of the shafts 12a and 12b and the shafts 14a,
14b, 14c, and 14d are not limited to those described above, and
each of them may, for example, have a bent or curved portion or a
branch in at least one position along the shaft.
[0133] The base 111, the shafts 12a and 12b, the frame 13, the
shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the support 15 described above
are formed integrally with each other.
[0134] In the present embodiment, the base 111, the shafts 12a and
12b, the frame 13, the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the
support 15 are formed by etching an SOI substrate formed of a first
Si layer (device layer), an SiO.sub.2 layer (box layer), and a
second Si layer (handle layer) stacked in this order. The formation
of the components described above provides the first and second
oscillation systems with excellent oscillation characteristics.
Further, forming the base 111, the shafts 12a and 12b, the frame
13, the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the support 15 by using
the SOI substrate, which allows etching-based micro-processing, not
only provides excellent precision in their dimensions but also
reduces the size of the optical scanner 10.
[0135] The first Si layer of the SOI substrate forms the base 111,
the shafts 12a and 12b, and the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. The
shafts 12a and 12b and the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d therefore
have excellent elasticity. Further, the base 111 will not come into
contact with the frame 13 when the base 111 pivots around the Y
axis.
[0136] Each of the frame 13 and the support 15 is formed of the SOI
substrate or the stacked member formed of the first Si layer, the
SiO.sub.2 layer, and the second Si layer, whereby the frame 13 and
the support 15 have excellent rigidity. Further, the SiO.sub.2
layer and the second Si layer of the frame 13 not only function as
a rib that increases the rigidity of the frame 13 but also have a
function of preventing the movable portion 11 from coming into
contact with the permanent magnet 16.
[0137] The upper surface of the support 15 preferably undergoes
antireflection processing, which prevents unwanted light incident
on the support 15 from forming stray light.
[0138] The antireflection processing is not limited to a specific
process and can, for example, be formation of an antireflection
film (dielectric multilayer film), surface roughing, and surface
blackening.
[0139] The materials of which the base 111, the shafts 12a and 12b,
and the shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are made and the method for
forming these components described above are presented by way of
example and are not necessarily used in the invention.
[0140] Further, in the present embodiment, the spacer 112 and the
light reflection plate 113 are also formed by etching the SOI
substrate. The spacer 112 is formed of a stacked member of the
SiO.sub.2 layer and the second Si layer of the SOI substrate. The
light reflection plate 113 is formed of the first Si layer of the
SOI substrate.
[0141] The spacer 112 and the light reflection plate 113 bonded to
each other can thus be manufactured in a simple, highly precise
manner by forming the spacer 112 and the light reflection plate 113
based on the SOI substrate as described above.
[0142] The spacer 112 is bonded to the base 111 with an adhesive, a
wax material, or any other suitable bonding material (not
shown).
[0143] The permanent magnet 16 is bonded to the lower surface of
the frame 13 described above (surface facing away from light
reflection plate 113).
[0144] A method for bonding the permanent magnet 16 to the frame 13
is not limited to a specific one and can, for example, be a bonding
method using an adhesive.
[0145] The permanent magnet 16 is magnetized in a direction
inclined to the X and Y axes in the plan view.
[0146] In the present embodiment, the permanent magnet 16 has an
elongated shape (rod-like shape) extending in a direction inclined
to the X and Y axes. The permanent magnet 16 is magnetized in the
elongated direction. That is, the permanent magnet 16 is so
magnetized that one end thereof forms an S pole and the other end
thereof forms an N pole.
[0147] Further, the permanent magnet 16 is so disposed that it is
symmetrical with respect to the intersection of the X axis and the
Y axis in the plan view.
[0148] In the present embodiment, the description is made with
reference to the case where one permanent magnet is disposed on the
frame 13, but the number of permanent magnets is not limited one.
For example, two permanent magnets may be disposed on the frame 13.
In this case, for example, two elongated permanent magnets may be
so disposed on the frame 13 that they face and are parallel to each
other with the base 111 therebetween in the plan view.
[0149] The inclination angle .theta. of the direction in which the
permanent magnet 16 is magnetized (direction in which permanent
magnet 16 extends) with respect to the X axis is not limited to a
specific value and is preferably greater than or equal to
30.degree. but smaller than or equal to 60.degree., more preferably
greater than or equal to 45.degree. but smaller than or equal to
60.degree., still more preferably 45.degree.. The thus disposed
permanent magnet 16 allows the movable portion 11 to pivot around
the X axis in a smooth, reliable manner.
[0150] In contrast, when the inclination angle .theta. is smaller
than the lower limit described above, the movable portion 11 may
not pivot around the X axis by a sufficient amount in some cases
depending on conditions, such as the magnitude of a voltage applied
to the coil 17. On the other hand, when the inclination angle
.theta. is greater than the upper limit described above, the
movable portion 11 may not pivot around the Y axis by a sufficient
amount in some cases depending on the conditions.
[0151] The permanent magnet 16 can preferably be, for example, a
neodymium magnet, a ferrite magnet, a samarium cobalt magnet, an
Alnico magnet, or a bonded magnet. The permanent magnet 16 is a
magnetized hard magnetic material and formed, for example, by
placing a hard magnetic material not yet having been magnetized on
the frame 13 and magnetizing the entire structure. The reason for
this is that an attempt to place the permanent magnet 16, which has
been magnetized, on the frame 13 may not result in successful
placement of the permanent magnet 16 in a desired position in some
cases because magnetic fields produced by objects outside the
scanner and other parts in the scanner affect the placement of the
permanent magnet 16.
[0152] The coil 17 is disposed immediately below the permanent
magnet 16. That is, the coil 17 is so disposed that it faces the
lower surface of the frame 13. A magnetic field produced by the
coil 17 can therefore act on the permanent magnet 16 in an
efficient manner. As a result, the electricity consumption and the
size of the optical scanner 10 can be reduced.
[0153] In the present embodiment, the coil 17 is wound around the
magnetic core 18. The magnetic field produced by the coil 17 can
thus act on the permanent magnet 16 in an efficient manner. The
magnetic core 18 may be omitted.
[0154] The thus configured coil 17 is electrically connected to the
signal superimposing portion 19.
[0155] When the signal superimposing portion 19 applies a voltage
to the coil 17, the coil 17 produces a magnetic field formed of a
magnetic flux perpendicular to the X and Y axes.
[0156] The signal superimposing portion 19 is disposed in the
optical scanner 10 or the image display apparatus 9, includes an
adder (not show) that superimposes the first drive signal V1
transmitted through the signal line 43 and the second drive signal
V2 transmitted through the signal line 44 on each other, and
applies the superimposed voltage to the coil 17.
[0157] The first drive signal V1 and the second drive signal V2
will now be described in detail.
[0158] The drive circuit 61 generates the first drive signal V1
(voltage for horizontal scan), which periodically changes at the
cycle T1 as shown in FIG. 3A, as described above. That is, the
drive circuit 61 generates the first drive signal V1 having a first
frequency (1/T1).
[0159] The first drive signal V1 has a sinusoidal waveform. The
optical scanner 10 can therefore effectively perform primary
optical scanning. The waveform of the first drive signal V1 is not
limited to a sinusoidal waveform.
[0160] The first frequency (1/T1) is not limited to a specific
value and may be any value suitable for horizontal scan and
preferably ranges from 10 to 40 kHz.
[0161] In the present embodiment, the first frequency is set to be
equal to a torsional resonant frequency (f1) of the first
oscillation system (torsional oscillation system) formed of the
movable portion 11 and the pair of shafts 12a and 12b. That is, the
first oscillation system is so designed (manufactured) that the
torsional resonant frequency f1 thereof has a value suitable for
horizontal scan. The angle of pivotal motion of the movable portion
11 around the Y axis can therefore be increased.
[0162] On the other hand, the drive circuit 62 generates the second
drive signal V2 (voltage for vertical scan), which periodically
changes at a cycle T2 different from the cycle T1 as described
above, as shown in FIG. 3B. That is, the drive circuit 62 generates
the second drive signal V2 having a second frequency (1/T2).
[0163] The second drive signal V2 has a saw-toothed waveform. The
optical scanner 10 can therefore effectively perform vertical
(secondary) optical scanning. The waveform of the second drive
signal V2 is not limited to a saw-toothed waveform.
[0164] The second frequency (1/T2) is not limited to a specific
value and may be any value different from the first frequency
(1/T1) and suitable for vertical scan and preferably ranges from 30
to 80 Hz (about 60 Hz). Setting the frequency of the second drive
signal V2 at about 60 Hz and the frequency of the first drive
signal V1 at a value ranging from 10 to 40 kHz as described above
allows the movable portion 11 to pivot around the two axes
perpendicular to each other (X and Y axes) at the frequencies
suitable for image drawing in a display. The combination of the
frequency of the first drive signal V1 and the frequency of the
second drive signal V2 is not limited to a specific one and can be
any combination that allows the movable portion 11 to pivot around
the X and Y axes.
[0165] In the present embodiment, the frequency of the second drive
signal V2 is adjusted to a value different from a torsional
resonant frequency (resonant frequency) of the second oscillation
system (torsional oscillation system) formed of the movable portion
11, the pair of shafts 12a and 12b, the frame 13, the two pairs of
shafts 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the permanent magnet 16.
[0166] The thus set frequency of the second drive signal V2 (second
frequency) is preferably lower than the frequency of the first
drive signal V1 (first frequency). That is, the cycle T2 is
preferably longer than the cycle T1. In this case, the movable
portion 11 is allowed to pivot not only around the Y axis at the
first frequency but also around the X axis at the second frequency
in a more reliable, smoother manner.
[0167] Now, let f1 [Hz] be the torsional resonant frequency of the
first oscillation system and f2 [Hz] be the torsional resonant
frequency of the second oscillation system, and f1 and f2
preferably satisfy f2<f1, more preferably f1.gtoreq.10f2.
Satisfying the relationship described above allows the movable
portion 11 to pivot not only around the Y axis at the frequency of
the first drive signal V1 but also around the X axis at the
frequency of the second drive signal V2 in a smoother manner. On
the other hand, when f1.ltoreq.f2, the first oscillation system can
oscillate at the second frequency.
[0168] A description will next be made of a method for driving the
optical scanner 10. In the present embodiment, the frequency of the
first drive signal V1 is set to be equal to the torsional resonant
frequency of the first oscillation system, and the frequency of the
second drive signal V2 is set to be not only different from the
torsional resonant frequency of the second oscillation system but
also smaller than the frequency of the first drive signal V1 as
described above (for example, the frequency of the first drive
signal V1 is set at 15 kHz, and the frequency of the second drive
signal V2 is set at 60 Hz).
[0169] For example, the signal superimposing portion 19
superimposes the first drive signal V1 shown in FIG. 3A and the
second drive signal V2 shown in FIG. 3B on each other and applies
the superimposed voltage to the coil 17.
[0170] The first drive signal V1 produces the following alternately
switching magnetic fields: a magnetic field that causes the one end
(N pole) of the permanent magnet 16 to be attracted to the coil 17
and the other end (S pole) of the permanent magnet 16 to be
repulsed from the coil 17 (the magnetic field is referred to as
"magnetic field A1"); and a magnetic field that causes the one end
(N pole) of the permanent magnet 16 to be repulsed from the coil 17
and the other end (S pole) of the permanent magnet 16 to be
attracted to the coil 17 (the magnetic field is referred to as
"magnetic field A2").
[0171] The permanent magnet 16 is so disposed that the ends
(magnetic poles) thereof are positioned in two areas on opposite
sides of the Y axis, as described above. That is, the N pole of the
permanent magnet 16 is located on one side of the Y axis, and the S
pole of the permanent magnet 16 is located on the other side of the
Y axis in the plan view of FIG. 5. When the magnetic field A1 and
the magnetic field A2 are alternately switched from each other as
described above, oscillation having a torsional oscillation
component around the Y axis is excited in the frame 13, and the
oscillation causes the shafts 12a and 12b to be torsionally
deformed and hence the movable portion 11 to pivot around the Y
axis at the frequency of the first drive signal V1.
[0172] The frequency of the first drive signal V1 is equal to the
torsional resonant frequency of the first oscillation system. The
first drive signal V1 therefore allows the movable portion 11 to
pivot around the Y axis in an efficient manner. That is, even when
the oscillation excited in the frame 13 and having a torsional
oscillation component around the Y axis described above has a small
amplitude, the angle of pivotal motion of the movable portion 11
around the Y axis produced by the oscillation can be increased.
[0173] On the other hand, the second drive signal V2 produces the
following alternately switching magnetic fields: a magnetic field
that causes the one end (N pole) of the permanent magnet 16 to be
attracted to the coil 17 and the other end (S pole) of the
permanent magnet 16 to be repulsed from the coil 17 (the magnetic
field is referred to as "magnetic field B1"); and a magnetic field
that causes the one end (N pole) of the permanent magnet 16 to be
repulsed from the coil 17 and the other end (S pole) of the
permanent magnet 16 to be attracted to the coil 17 (the magnetic
field is referred to as "magnetic field B2").
[0174] The permanent magnet 16 is so disposed that the ends
(magnetic poles) thereof are positioned in two areas on opposite
sides of the X axis, as described above. That is, the N pole of the
permanent magnet 16 is located on one side of the X axis, and the S
pole of the permanent magnet 16 is located on the other side of the
X axis in the plan view of FIG. 5. When the magnetic field B1 and
the magnetic field B2 are alternately switched from each other as
described above, the shafts 14a and 14b and the shafts 14c and 14d
are torsionally deformed and the frame 13 along with the movable
portion 11 pivots around the X axis at the frequency of the second
drive signal V2.
[0175] The frequency of the second drive signal V2 is set to be
greatly lower than the frequency of the first drive signal V1.
Further, the torsional resonant frequency of the second oscillation
system is designed to be lower than the torsional resonant
frequency of the first oscillation system. No pivotal motion of the
movable portion 11 around the Y axis will therefore occur at the
frequency of the second drive signal V2.
[0176] Since the video image display system 1 described above
includes the information terminal 2 capable of outputting an
optical signal and drive signals used by the optical scanner 10,
the size and weight of the image display apparatus 9 can be reduced
and the image display apparatus 9 requires no built-in power
source.
Second Embodiment
[0177] A second embodiment of the invention will next be
described.
[0178] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration
of an information terminal (mobile information terminal) in a video
image display system according to the second embodiment of the
invention.
[0179] The following description of the second embodiment will be
made primarily on differences from the first embodiment described
above, and no description of the same items as those in the first
embodiment will be made. In FIG. 7, the same components as those in
the embodiment described above have the same reference
characters.
[0180] The video image display system according to the present
embodiment is the same as the video image display system according
to the first embodiment described above except that a signal
superimposing portion is provided in the drive signal
generator.
[0181] An information terminal 2A in the video image display system
according to the second embodiment includes a drive signal
generator 6A and a connection section 7A, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0182] The drive signal generator 6A includes the drive circuits 61
and 62 and a signal superimposing portion 63.
[0183] The signal superimposing portion 63 superimposes the first
drive signal and the second drive signal on each other.
[0184] The signal superimposing portion 63 can be configured in the
same manner as the signal superimposing portion 19 in the first
embodiment described above.
[0185] The thus configured drive signal generator 6A transmits a
drive signal produced by superimposing the first drive signal and
the second drive signal on each other to the connection section
7A.
[0186] The connection section 7A includes a drive signal output
portion 72A, which outputs the drive signal out of the information
terminal 2A.
[0187] The thus configured information terminal 2A eliminates a
need to provide each of the first and second drive signals with a
signal line that transmits the drive signal to the image display
apparatus 9, whereby the number of signal lines can be reduced.
[0188] In the present embodiment, although not shown, no signal
superimposing portion in the optical scanner 10 in the image
display apparatus 9 is provided.
[0189] The video image display system according to the second
embodiment described above also allows the size and weight of the
image display apparatus 9 to be reduced and eliminates a need to
provide the image display apparatus 9 with a built-in power source
for driving the optical scanner 10.
Third Embodiment
[0190] A third embodiment of the invention will next be
described.
[0191] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration
of an information terminal (mobile information terminal) in a video
image display system according to the third embodiment of the
invention.
[0192] The following description of the third embodiment will be
made primarily on differences from the first embodiment described
above, and no description of the same items as those in the first
embodiment will be made.
[0193] The video image display system according to the present
embodiment is the same as the video image display system according
to the first embodiment described above except that the light from
the light source in the optical signal generator is used as the
illumination light for the display section.
[0194] An information terminal 2B in the video image display system
according to the third embodiment includes an optical path switcher
54, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0195] In the present embodiment, the display section 3 includes a
spatial light modulator, and the spatial light modulator, when it
is irradiated with light, displays an image. Specifically, in the
display section 3, for example, a liquid crystal panel as the
spatial light modulator is illuminated by using the light guide
plate.
[0196] The display section 3 uses the light from the light source
51 in the optical signal generator 5 as the illumination light to
display an image in the first state. It can be said that the light
source 51 is a component in the optical signal generator 5 or a
component in the display section 3.
[0197] Since no light source that emits illumination light for the
display section 3 therefore needs to be provided separately from
the light source 51, which forms an optical signal for the optical
scanner, the size and weight of the information terminal 2B can be
reduced.
[0198] Specifically, the optical path switcher 54 is configured to
be capable of switching the state of the information terminal 2B
between a state in which the path of the light (optical path) from
the light source 51 is guided to the light guide plate (not shown)
in the display section 3 and a state in which the optical path is
guided to the optical signal output portion 71.
[0199] In the present embodiment, the optical path switcher 54 is
disposed in a position somewhere along the optical path between the
optical signal generator 5 and the optical signal output portion 71
in the connection section 7. Further, the optical path switcher 54
is optically connected to the light guide plate in the display
section 3, for example, via an optical fiber or an optical
waveguide.
[0200] The optical path switcher 54 is not necessarily disposed in
the position described above and may be disposed in any position
where the light from the light source 51 used as the illumination
light can be switched to the light used as the optical signal and
vice versa, for example, in a position between the light source 51
and the light combiner 53. In this case, the light fluxes from the
light sources 51R, 51G, and 51B may be combined with each other
before they are guided to the display section 3.
[0201] The optical path switcher 54 is formed, for example, of an
optical switch capable of changing the direction of light incident
thereon.
[0202] The thus configured optical path switcher 54 is electrically
connected to the controller 8.
[0203] The optical path switcher 54 therefore performs the optical
path switching under the control of the controller 8.
[0204] Specifically, the controller 8 in the present embodiment
controls the switching operation performed by the optical path
switcher 54 in such a way that the light emitted from the light
source 51 is guided to the display section 3 in the first state
(the light emitted from the light source 51 is not guided to the
optical signal output portion 71), whereas the light emitted from
the light source 51 is guided to the optical signal output portion
71 in the second state (the light emitted from the light source 51
is not guided to the display section 3).
[0205] The controller 8 drives the optical signal generator 5 in
such a way that the optical signal generator 5 generates the
illumination light in the first state. Specifically, the light
sources 51R, 51G, and 51B each continuously emit light fluxes so
that the combined light from the light combiner 53 is white light.
The light from the light source 51 (combined white light from light
combiner 53) can therefore be used as the illumination light for
the display section 3. That is, it can be said in the first state
that the optical signal generator 5 generates no optical signal
with which the optical scanner 10 scans the screen.
[0206] In the second state, the controller 8 drives the optical
signal generator 5 in such away that the optical signal generator 5
generates an optical signal (light modulated based on image
information) as in the embodiments described above.
[0207] The video image display system according to the third
embodiment described above also allows the size and weight of the
image display apparatus 9 to be reduced and eliminates a need to
provide the image display apparatus 9 with a built-in power source
for driving the optical scanner 10.
[0208] The optical path switcher 54 may perform the optical path
switching by mechanically moving or rotating a prism, a mirror, or
any other optical element. For example, a member (not shown) that
comes into contact with the connector 41 when the connector 41 is
connected to the connection section 7 and is pushed out of the
connection section 7 can be so provided that the member directly or
indirectly applies a force to the optical path switcher 54 to move
or rotate the optical path switcher 54 for optical path switching.
In this configuration, the optical path switching can be performed
in accordance with connection or disconnection of the connector 41
with no electric configuration required.
[0209] An application of any of the video image display systems
descried above will be described below.
Application of Video Image Display System
[0210] FIG. 9 shows an application of the video image display
system according to any of the embodiments of the invention
(showing information terminal side), and FIG. 10 shows the
application of the video image display system according to the
embodiment of the invention (showing display apparatus side).
[0211] The information terminal 2 can be used as a car navigation
apparatus built in an automobile, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0212] The information terminal 2 can display a predetermined
image, such as a guide map to a destination, in the display section
3.
[0213] Further, the connection section 7 of the information
terminal 2 is provided on the same side as the display section 3. A
user can thus connect the connector 41 to the connection section 7
as required and visually recognize the predetermined image
displayed by the image display apparatus 9.
[0214] A head mounted display can be used with the image display
apparatus 9.
[0215] That is, the image display apparatus 9 can be used in a head
mounted display 300, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0216] The head mounted display 300 is what is called a
spectacle-type head mounted display and includes a frame 310 and
the image display apparatus 9 attached to the frame 310. The image
display apparatus 9 displays the predetermined image visually
recognized with one of the eyes in a display section 320 provided
in a portion of the frame 310 that corresponds to the eye (portion
corresponding to spectacle lens).
[0217] The display section 320 may be transparent or opaque. When
the display section 320 is transparent, information from the real
world can be superimposed on information from the image display
apparatus 9 for use.
[0218] The head mounted display 300 may be provided with two image
display apparatus 9 so that two display sections display images
visually recognized with both eyes.
[0219] A user who wears the thus configured head mounted display
300 has a reduced degree of fatigue, and the head mounted display
300 also provides a high degree of freedom in exterior
appearance.
[0220] Further, the video image display system that is the
combination of the head mounted display 300 and the car navigation
apparatus described above occupies a smaller space and requires a
lower cost than a car navigation apparatus with a head-up display
of related art.
[0221] The information terminal 2 is not only incorporated in an
automobile but can be incorporated in an airplane, a ship, and
other moving vehicles.
[0222] The information terminals, the mobile information terminals,
and the video image display systems according to the embodiments of
the invention have been described with reference to the drawings,
but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the
information terminals, the mobile information terminals, and the
video image display systems according to the embodiments of the
invention, the configuration of each of the components can be
replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function.
Further, any other arbitrary configuration may be added to the
embodiments of the invention.
[0223] Further, the invention is applicable to a combination of two
or more arbitrary configurations (features) of the embodiments.
[0224] Moreover, the above embodiments have been described with
reference to the case where the image display apparatus includes an
optical scanner that two-dimensionally scans an object with light
but the image display apparatus is not necessarily configured this
way. The image display apparatus may include two optical scanners
each of which scans an object with light in one direction, and the
two optical scanners may scan the object two-dimensionally. In this
case, the first drive signal may be inputted to one of the optical
scanners, and the second drive signal may be inputted to the other
optical scanner.
[0225] Further, the above embodiments have been described with
reference to the case where the drive signals generated by the
drive signal generator serve as drive electric power for directly
driving the optical scanner in the image display apparatus. The
drive signals generated by the drive signal generator may be
control signals that control the drive operation of the optical
scanner. In this case, the image display apparatus may be provided
with a power source that generates drive electric power for driving
the optical scanner, and the power source may be controlled and
driven based on the drive signals from the drive signal
generator.
[0226] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2012-180907, filed Aug. 17, 2012 is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
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